iPsychology

Carbamazepine ( Epitol, Tegretol ) is used primarily for the treatment of seizures ( epilepsy.) It may also be used to treat people experiencing frequent episodes of mania ( "rapid cycles".), trigeminal neuralgia (a type of nerve pain such as tic douloureux.), pain associated with shingles, acute mania, frequent episodes of mania (rapid cycles), dysphoric mania, preventative treatment for bipolar disorder (manic depression), alcohol withdrawal, cocaine withdrawal, abnormally aggressive behavior, and / or migraine headaches. Carbamazepine ( Epitol, Tegretol ) does not however treat the depression symptom of bipolar disorder ( manic-depression.)

Carbamazepine ( Epitol, Tegretol ) can be used alone, or it may be used with lithium or a neuroleptic (a type of drug that reduces confusion and agitation) when used to treat certain manic conditions.

Carbamazepine ( Epitol, Tegretol ) effects can be felt about two hours after it is taken, though it may require three months of more of therapy to determine if it reduces the amount and severity of seizures. When used to relieve nerve pain, effects are usually felt in 24 to 48 hours.

COMPLETE BLOOD TESTING IS REQUIRED BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT STARTS.

Warnings

Do not drink alcohol when taking this drug. Alcohol can lower blood pressure to a dangerous level.

The habit-forming potential is none. Do not stop taking this drug abruptly, this could cause symptoms of mania or depression.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant or if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not take this drug if under six and in small doses if over sixty with close monitoring.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or to a Heterocyclic antidepressant in the past. If you have any blood related disorders.

Carbamazepine ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Dizziness or drowsiness.

Rare: High fever, blurred vision, pigmentation in eyes, infection, weakness, abnormal bleeding, constipation, dry mouth, skin changes, yellowing of skin/eyes, urinary changes, poor coordination, mental changes, nausea/vomiting, aching joints or gastric distress.

See physician always: High fever, blurred vision, pigmentation in eyes, infection, weakness, abnormal bleeding, constipation, dry mouth, skin changes, yellowing of skin/eyes, urinary changes, poor coordination, mental changes, nausea/vomiting, aching joints or gastric distress.

See physician if severe: Dizziness or drowsiness.

See physician NOW: Mental changes or infection

Stop taking and see physician NOW: High fever, pigmentation in eyes, weakness, abnormal bleeding, skin changes, yellowing of skin/eyes or urinary changes.

Interactions

• MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days) – serious, even fatal interactions can occur when taken with Tegretol
• Alcohol – when taken with Tegretol can dangerously lower blood pressure
• Seldane (terfenadine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), and rifampin - can lead to drug toxicity
• Tranquilizers, hypnotics, and narcotics – Tegretol can increase the effects of these drugs
• Adrenocortical steroids, antidepressants, birth control pills, Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Doxy-II and Vibramycin (doxycycline), Plendil (felodipine), Haldol (haloperidol), DynaCirc (isradipine), Sporanox (itraconazole), tetracyclines, Depakene (valproic acid), and Coumadin (warfarin) – Tegretol can decrease the effects of these drugs
• Clozaril (clozapine) – can cause serious bone marrow suppression when taken with Tegretol
• Felbatol (felbamate) – can reduce the body’s levels of Tegretol
• Lithium - taken with Tegretol can cause neurological problems such as confusion, tremors, and weakness
• Dilanin (phenytoin) – can impair seizure control due to fluctuation of blood levels
• Theo-Dur (theophylline) - when taken with Tegretol, the effects of both of these drugs can decrease
• Tagamet (cimetidine), Danocrine (danazol), Cardizem (diltiazem), flu shots, INH (isoniazid), erythromycin and other macrolide antibiotics, nicotinamide, Darvon (propoxyphene), Norvir (ritonavir), and Calan / Isoptin (verapamil) – these drugs may increase the effects of Tegretol
• Phenobarbital and Biaxin (clarithromycin) - can increase the toxicity of Tegretol